Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, a digital image capturing device (DICD) is disclosed that includes a device body with a printed circuit board (PCB), and an integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA) that is configured for releasable connection to the device body. The PCB defines a plurality of openings that extend therethrough and includes a plurality of connector pins that are fixedly positioned within the openings. The ISLA includes at least one connective surface that is configured for contact with the connector pins to establish electrical communication between the device body and the ISLA.

Abstract: Optical center calibration may include obtaining one or more parameters for optical center calibration, obtaining an input image captured by an image capture device using a lens, and determining a calibration circle using the parameters and the input image. Determining the calibration circle may include extracting rays using the input image, estimating contours using the input image and the rays, and estimating the calibration circle using the input image and the contours. The calibration may be iteratively improved by repeating calibration based on the input image and a previous iteration of optical center calibration.

Abstract: An audio capture device selects between multiple microphones to generate an output audio signal depending on detected conditions. The audio capture device determines whether one or more microphones are wet or dry and selects one or more audio signals from the one or more microphones depending on their respective conditions. The audio capture device generates a mono audio output signal or a stereo output signal depending on the respective conditions of the one or more microphones.

Abstract: A method for reducing overexposure or underexposure in a time-lapse includes acquiring, using an image capture device, a first frame of the time-lapse using a first exposure setting; and acquiring, using the image capture device, a second frame of the time-lapse. The first frame of the time-lapse is acquired under a first luminance condition. The second frame of the time-lapse is acquired under a second luminance condition that is different from the first luminance condition. The second frame of the time-lapse is acquired using an exposure setting that is determined based on respective exposure settings of one or more preview images obtained between the first frame of the time-lapse and the second frame of the time-lapse. The one or more preview images are not included in the time-lapse.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the quality of photographs taken in low-light conditions by adjustment of shutter speed and digital gain based on a shutter prioritization value. Using a network of sensor, a digital camera processes various parameters, such as light level of the scene and movement of the camera or of subjects within the scene, to compute a shutter prioritization value. The value is then used to select the most appropriate shutter speed and digital gain combination from a constant exposure curve. Higher prioritization values correspond to faster shutter speeds and higher digital gain. Lower prioritization values correspond to lower shutter speeds and lower digital gain. In further embodiments, the shutter prioritization value may be manually customized by a user in order to produce artistic effects.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for positioning a mounted camera. The device includes a holding element that secures the mounted camera to the device, a wireless linkage at which remote attitude commands representing attitude changes of a remote driver are received, a local controller that interprets the remote attitude commands and generates local attitude commands that move the camera to mimic an orientation of the remote driver, and an attitude sensing element that senses a local attitude of the device. The attitude sensing element includes a gyro, an accelerometer, or a magnetometer, and jitter present in the remote attitude commands is removed and not passed on to the local attitude commands.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the pre-processing of image data so as to enhance quality of subsequent encoding and rendering. In one embodiment, a capture device is disclosed that includes a processing apparatus and a non-transitory computer readable apparatus comprising a storage medium have one or more instructions stored thereon. The one or more instructions, when executed by the processing apparatus, are configured to: receive captured image data (such as that sourced from two or more separate image sensors) and pre-process the data to enable stabilization of the corresponding images prior to encoding. In some implementations, the pre-processing includes combination (e.g., stitching) of the captured image data associated with the two or more sensors to facilitates the stabilization. Advantageously, undesirable artifacts such as object “jitter” can be reduced or eliminated. Methods and non-transitory computer readable apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A camera includes an image sensor, a heat diffuser, and a heat spreader. The heat spreader includes a heat source coupled to the image sensor, an arm coupled to the heat source and the heat diffuser, and a heat exchange coupled with the heat source and the arm. A system includes a camera and a heat spreader coupled with the camera. The system includes a stabilizer coupled with the heat spreader and an electronics assembly coupled with the stabilizer. A heat controller for an imaging device that includes a flexible arm and a heat source coupled to the flexible arm that absorbs heat from the imaging device. The heat controller includes a heat exchange coupled to the flexible arm that transfers the heat away from the imaging device via the flexible arm.

Abstract: A camera system with six faces and a front housing is configured to capture images and audio content from external the camera body. The camera system includes an interior audio assembly protected from external environments by a waterproof membrane. The camera system includes drainage ports on the bottom face and the left face of the camera system to encourage moisture to drain from the system. A first drainage channel couples the internal audio assembly to the first drainage port on left face of the camera system and a second drainage channel couples the drainage port on the left face of the camera system to the drainage port on the bottom face of the camera system. A third drainage channel exists between the front face of the camera system and the front housing, the third drainage channel coupling the first and second drainage channels.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for just-in-time streaming media. Existing content delivery networks are optimized for providing mass media to many consumers. This delivery model is poorly suited to user-specific content. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure create a program instance that can service a client's media requests from their archival data. In one specific implementation, the archival data is stored segments that are ready for streaming; a content server may provide either a consolidated file or a media “quasi-stream” from the same storage object(s). The quasi-stream supports progressive playback (media playback as it is being downloaded.) The program instance provides the client device the illusion of a static file system, however client requested access to HTTP file downloads are provided in packets that are transmuxed/transcoded from archival data.

Abstract: An image capture device may provide framing recommendations for capture of visual content. Framing recommendation may include information on how one or more subjects are to be positioned with respect to the image capture device. Framing recommendation may guide a user in how the image capture device and/or the subject(s) are to be positioned. Framing recommendation may include suggestions on orientation of the image capture device with respect to the subject(s) to improve composition of the subject(s) within the visual content. The image capture device may provide these aforementioned framing recommendations visually, audibly, and/or through other means. For example, the image capture device may provide framing recommendations in form of visual overlays/directional graphs and/or audible instructions (e.g., directions on subject/image capture device positioning provided through a speaker of the image capture device). Framing recommendation may be static (not changing over time) or dynamic (changing over time).

Abstract: A sequence of media items may be presents. Based on selection of media items for potential inclusion into the sequence of media items, the selected media items may be presented apart from the sequence of media items. One or more of the selected media items may be inserted into a location in the sequence of media items.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for metadata-based cinematography, production effects, shot selection, and/or other content augmentation. Effective cinematography conveys storyline, emotion, excitement, etc. Unfortunately, most amateur filmmakers lack the knowledge and ability to create cinema quality media. Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to, among other things, rendering media based on instantaneous metadata. Unlike traditional post-processing techniques that rely on human subjectivity, some of the various techniques described herein leverage the camera's actual experiential data to enable cinema-quality post-processing for the general consuming public. Instantaneous metadata-based cinematography and shot selection advisories and architectures are also described.

Abstract: An image capture device includes an audio depression formed into the housing with a drainage microphone mounted therein. A cover protects the drainage microphone disposed beneath the cover from an environment external to the image capture device. The cover and audio depression define a drainage channel extending from a channel entrance, through a channel volume, and out a channel exit. The surface area of the opening of the channel entrance is proportioned relative to the channel volume such that the ratio of the surface area to volume is greater than ten percent. This allows the cover to shift resonance outside of a desired frequency band.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for indicating video editing decisions may include an inclusion marker element, an exclusion marker element, and a selection marker element. The inclusion marker element may indicate a segment of a video that has been marked for inclusion in a video edit. The exclusion marker element may indicate a segment of the video has been marked for exclusion from the video edit. The selection marker element may indicate a segment of the video has been selected for inclusion in the video edit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identification of a coded pattern visible to a computerized imaging apparatus while invisible or inconspicuous to human eyes. A pattern and/or marking may serve to indicate identity of an object, and/or the relative position of the pattern to a viewer. While some solutions exist for identifying patterns (for example, QR codes), they may be visually obtrusive to a human observer due to visual clutter. In exemplary implementations, apparatus and methods are capable of generating patterns with sufficient structure to be used for either discrimination or some aspect of localization, while incorporating spectral properties that are more aesthetically acceptable such as being: a) imperceptible or subtle to the human observer and/or b) aligned to an existing acceptable visual form, such as a logo. In one variant, a viewer comprises an imaging system comprised as a processor and laser scanner, or camera, or moving photodiode.

Abstract: Image analysis and processing may include a multiple-tone-control (MTC) unit configured to obtain a tone-control gain lookup table, a plurality of MTC gain lookup tables, wherein the input image is divided into a plurality of blocks and wherein the plurality of MTC gain lookup tables includes a respective MTC gain lookup table corresponding to each respective block from the plurality of blocks, MTC grid parameters, MTC weighting parameters, a tone-control gain based on the tone-control gain lookup table, a MTC gain based on at least one MTC gain lookup table from the plurality of MTC gain lookup tables, the MTC grid parameters, and the MTC weighting parameters, and an output value based on the tone-control gain and the MTC gain.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a processor that upsamples a vibration signal. The processor determines a correlation value. The correlation value may be based on a microphone signal, the upsampled vibration signal, or both. The processor determines filter coefficients. The filter coefficients may be determined based on the correlation value being above a threshold. The filter coefficient may be based on the upsampled vibration signal. The processor filters the vibration signal based on the filter coefficients to remove a noise portion and obtain a processed microphone signal. The processor outputs the processed microphone signal.

Abstract: A camera system includes a lens assembly and image processing electronics internal to the camera housing and thermally coupled to the battery assembly. The battery assembly is sensitive to low ambient temperatures and may become damaged if the temperature of the assembly becomes sufficiently low. The camera system comprises a thermal management system that dissipates heat from electronic components of the camera to increase or maintain the temperature of the battery assembly. The thermal management configures the electronic components in different modes to create a step-wise increase of the resistive heat generated in the camera system and thereby increase the temperature of the components in the camera system.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for a multipoint cable cam (MPCC) of an aerial vehicle. A method includes operations of receiving user input associated with a predetermined path and correlating the received user input with stored global positioning satellite (GPS) data to generate one or more virtual waypoints along the predetermined path. The method includes processing the one or more virtual waypoints to generate a spline-based flight path. The method may include storing the spline-based flight path and transmitting the spline-based flight path to the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: An image capture device may capture two hemispherical views of a scene. The two hemispherical view of the scene may be stitched along a stitch line. The image capture device may be rotated to align the stitch line with a mid-line of a panoramic field of view of the scene. Separate exposure settings may be used to capture the two hemispherical views of the scene, with the exposure settings increasing the dynamic range of the scene depicted within the panoramic field of view of the scene. The panoramic field of view of the scene may be punched out as panoramic visual content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus may be used for performing a scene-based automatic white balance correction. The method may include obtaining an input image. The method may include obtaining a raw image thumbnail. The method may include obtaining an augmented image thumbnail. The method may include computing a histogram from an image thumbnail. The method may include determining a scene classification. The method may include learning a filter. The filter may be learned from one or several different instances of the raw image thumbnail, the augmented image thumbnail, the scene classification, or any combination thereof. The method may include applying the filter to the histogram to determine white balance correction coefficients and obtain a processed image.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stitching images, or re-stitching previously stitched images. Specifically, the disclosed systems in one implementation save stitching information and/or original overlap source data during an original stitching process. During subsequent retrieval, rendering, and/or display of the stitched images, the originally stitched image can be flexibly augmented, and/or re-stitched to improve the original stitch quality. Practical applications of the disclosed solutions enable, among other things, a user to create and stitch a wide field of view (FOV) panorama from multiple source images on a device with limited processing capability (such as a mobile phone or other capture device). Moreover, post-processing stitching allows for the user to convert from one image projection to another without fidelity loss (or with an acceptable level of loss).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for image processing of spherical content via hardware acceleration components. In one embodiment, an EAC image is subdivided into facets via existing software addressing and written into the memory buffers (normally used for rectilinear cubemaps) in a graphics processing unit (GPU). The EAC facets may be translated, rotated, and/or mirrored so as to align with the expected three-dimensional (3D) coordinate space. The GPU may use existing hardware accelerator logic, parallelization, and/or addressing logic to greatly improve 3D image processing effects (such as a multi-band blend using Gaussian blurs.

Abstract: A media sequence includes media items arranged in a sequence. A graph is generated to represent animations available for the media items in the media sequence. The graph includes nodes that represent the available animations. The animations to be used in generating the media sequence is selected via selection of a path through the graph, and the media sequence is generated using the selected animations.

Abstract: An image capture device continuously generates time-lapse video frames to be included within a time-lapse video using a time-lapse video frame rate, with the value of the time-lapse video frame rate changing based on activation of a trigger to change the time-lapse video frame rate.

Abstract: Image signal processing includes obtaining two or more image signals from a first hyper-hemispherical image sensor, where each of the two or more image signals has a different exposure and obtaining two or more image signals from a second hyper-hemispherical image sensor, where each of the two or more image signals has a different exposure. Image signal processing includes generating an exposure compensated image based on a gain value applied to an exposure level of a first image and a gain value applied to an exposure level of a second image. Image signal processing further includes performing high dynamic range (HDR) processing on the exposure compensated image. The HDR processing may be performed on a high a frequency portion of the exposure compensated image.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle manages storage of data and transfer between other connected devices. The unmanned aerial vehicle captures sensor data from sensors on the unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle transfers the captured sensor data from the unmanned aerial vehicle to a remote controller via a wireless interface. The captured data may be transferred via a TCP link, a UDP link, or a combination thereof. If a loss of link is detected, the captured sensor data is stored to a buffer and a battery level of the unmanned aerial vehicle and a flight status of the unmanned aerial vehicle is monitored. The stored sensor data is transferred from the buffer to a non-volatile storage responsive to the battery level dropping below a predefined threshold or detecting that the unmanned aerial vehicle is stationary and a shutdown may be imminent.

Abstract: A graphical user interface may switch between presentation of a timeline representation of media items and a tile representation of media items. The timeline representation may include graphical representation of the lengths of the media items. The tile representation may include graphical representation of the content of the media items.

Abstract: An image capture device may capture multiple audio content during capture of visual content. A viewing window for the visual content and rotational position of the image capture device during capture of the visual content may be used to generate modified audio content from the multiple audio content. The modified audio content may provide sound for playback of a punchout of the visual content using the viewing window.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for framing a video may include a framing element. Responsive to user interaction with the framing element, a framing of the video at a moment may be determined. The framing of the video may define viewing direction, viewing size, viewing rotation, and/or viewing projection for a viewing window. The framing of the video at the moment may be determined based on how the video is being presented when the user interacted with the framing element.

Abstract: A camera is configured for use with a removable camera lens cover, which can be secured to or removed from the camera by a user without the use of a tool set. The mechanism which allows the lens cover to be secured to and removed from the camera includes a set of wires embedded into the lens cover and a set of wedges protruding from the lens wall of the camera. To secure the lens cover to the camera, the lens cover is placed onto the front of the camera and rotated until the wires align with corresponding wedges, securing the wires underneath the tapered surface of the wedges. To remove the lens cover from the camera, a force is applied outward and normal to the lens cover, causing the wires to flex outward and enabling the rotation and removal of the lens cover from the camera.

Abstract: A media summary is generated to include portions of media items. The portions of media items identified for inclusion in the media summary is determined based on the length of the media summary and classification of content depicted within the media items. Classification of content depicted within the media items includes number of smiles depicted within the media items.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tagging portions a spherical video segment are provided. The spherical video segment may include visual content. User input indicating a moment in time in the spherical video segment and a viewing angle corresponding to the moment in time may be received. Tag information for the spherical video segment may be generated. The tag information may identify the moment in time and the viewing angle such that a subsequent presentation of the spherical video segment, proximate to the moment in time, includes a notification that the viewing angle is outside a display field of view based on the viewing angle being located outside the display field of view.

Abstract: An image capture device may include one or more optical elements. One or more lens covers may be used to cover the optical element(s). Usage of the lens cover(s) with respect to the optical element(s) may be determined. The operation of the image capture device may be changed based on whether the lens cover(s) are on or off the optical element(s).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying motion blur to overcapture content. In one embodiment, the motion blur is applied by selecting a number of frames of the captured image content for application of motion blur; selecting a plurality of pixel locations within the number of frames of the captured image content for the application of motion blur; applying motion blur to the captured image content in accordance with the selected number of frames and the selected plurality of pixel locations; and outputting the captured image content with the applied motion blur. In some implementations, motion blur is applied via implementation of a virtualized neutral density filter. Computerized devices and computer-readable apparatus for the application of motion blur are also disclosed.

Abstract: A propeller assembly includes propeller blades that self-fold when not in use, which reduces the overall footprint of the propeller assembly and enables efficient storage. During flying conditions, the propeller blades unfold and extend to a flight configuration that enables the generation of lift on the propeller blades and consequently to an attached aerial vehicle. In various embodiments, the transitioning of the propeller blades between a flight and folded configuration may be enabled by torsion springs coupled to each propeller blade. For example, the torsion springs cause each propeller blade to rotate and self-fold when no external forces are applied. Alternatively, during flying conditions, centrifugal forces that arise as the propeller assembly rotates counteract the torsion springs, enabling each propeller blade to achieve an extended flight configuration. Therefore, the propeller blades of the propeller assembly are optimally oriented without the need for human intervention.

Abstract: An image capture device includes a housing; a lens cover disposed on the housing; a lens disposed within the housing beneath the lens cover; a lens cavity defined between the lens and the lens cover; a battery cavity defined within the housing; a lens vent fluidly coupling the lens cavity and the battery cavity; a battery disposed within the battery cavity; and a desiccant patch coupled to a side of the battery. Moisture introduced into the battery cavity by the battery, the lens cavity, or the lens vent is absorbed by the desiccant patch.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a housing, a plurality of first arms, a plurality of second arms, and a landing gear. The housing includes a gimbal attachment to couple a gimbal with a camera. Each of the plurality of first arms and the plurality of second arms rotatably couple with the housing at one end and has a motor coupled with a propeller on the other end. The landing gear includes a plurality of foldable legs and releasably couples with an underside of the housing. The aerial vehicle may be programmed with aerial flight path data that corresponds with a prior traced route.

Abstract: An image capture device including a housing that defines a cavity and a user interface that covers the cavity and has interior and exterior surfaces. The user interface includes an actuation portion that is positioned on the exterior surface and receives an input command from a user. The user interface includes a protrusion that extends from the interior surface and actuates an imaging feature of the image capture device when an input command is received at the actuation portion. The actuation portion and the protrusion in combination prevent premature activation of the input command from hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: In a method, it is determined that a detachable lens is mounted on an image capture device in a first orientation. A first image of a controlled scene is captured with the detachable lens mounted in the first orientation. It is determined that the detachable lens is mounted on the image capture device in a second orientation that is rotated approximately 180 degrees from the first orientation. A second image of the controlled scene is captured with the detachable lens in the second orientation. A first image circle center of the first image is determined. A second image circle center of the second image is determined. An average image circle center is determined, based on the first image circle center and the second image circle center. The average image circle center is provided to an image stabilization algorithm when the detachable lens is mounted on the image capture device.

Abstract: A user interface of an image capture device may provide options for a user to schedule future capture of visual content by the image capture device. The user may interact with the options to specify the start time and the capture duration for the future capture of visual content.

Abstract: Poses of a person depicted within video frame may be determined. The poses of the person may be used to generate intermediate video frames between the video frames.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle. Boundaries of a user-defined space may be obtained. The boundaries of the user-defined space may be fixed with respect to some reference frame. A user-defined operation associated with the user-selected space may be obtained. Position of the unmanned aerial vehicle may be tracked during an unmanned aerial flight. Responsive to the unmanned aerial vehicle entering the user-defined space, the unmanned aerial vehicle may be automatically controlled to perform the user-defined operation.